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‘People are leaving’: New York City’s EMS workers are struggling to make ends meet

EMS workers, who make life-or-death decisions in emergencies, are the lowest paid first responders After 31 years in New York City’s emergency medical…

By The News Engine Desk Based on reporting by The Guardian

10 Oct 2026, 19:30 IST Updated 2 hours ago 1 min read 0 views

Image accompanying the story: ‘People are leaving’: New York City’s EMS workers are struggling to make ends meet — Image: Photograph: Mike Lawrie/Getty Images · via The Guardian

The Guardian reports: EMS workers, who make life-or-death decisions in emergencies, are the lowest paid first responders After 31 years in New York City’s emergency medical services, Oren Barzilay has started giving young New Yorkers advice he never imagined giving when he began his EMS career.

“Don’t come here,” he tells them. “You are only going to hurt yourself.”

This world story centres on the United States. Names and organisations mentioned in the coverage include York City’s EMS, York City and Oren Barzilay.

Why it matters

International developments of this kind are often followed closely by governments, aid organisations and global markets.

Key details

Location: United States · Americas
Reported by: The Guardian
First reported: 10 Oct 2026, 19:30 IST
Key names: York City’s EMS, York City, Oren Barzilay, FDNY EMS Local
Section: World
Figure cited: It is a striking reversal for Barzilay, the recently retired president of FDNY EMS Local 2507. (The Guardian)